Our mission is to nurture curious, confident, and compassionate learners by providing an authentic Montessori education from toddlerhood through the elementary years.
Why CMS was Started
When one door closes, another one opens! After the unfortunate closure of a beloved, local Montessori school that had been deeply rooted in the community for four decades, a group consisting of current & past parents united in purpose to lay the foundation of a new school that will continue to uphold the integrity of authentic Montessori education in Virginia Beach!
Rooted in traditional Montessori principles and built through collaboration, dedication, and heart, our school represents the collective hope of sustaining an established community while cultivating a dynamic new coalition where children grow into confident, capable individuals. Our goal at CMS is to increase accessibility of Montessori education to families throughout Coastal Virginia while continuing the 40 year tradition of authentic Montessori education that was once housed at Galilee Episcopal Church.
Our teachers empower children to become self-directed learners and creative problem solvers by providing over 150 years of accumulative years of experience. They cultivate a lifelong love of learning through foundational Montessori practices anchored in discovery, independence, and respect. Montessori teachers serve as guides for students, and with our classically trained staff, CMS prepares students to thrive in a changing world, while remaining deeply connected to their natural sense of wonder.
Montessori education nurtures the whole child: academically, socially, and emotionally. It fosters empathy, creativity, and confidence—qualities our world needs now more than ever.
Coastal Montessori is proud to operate as a dedicated non-profit organization. This is more than just a legal designation—it’s a foundational commitment that directs every single dollar back into the excellence of your child’s education.
How Does Being Non-Profit Benefit Our Community?
Unlike for-profit institutions, not a single board member or administrator takes home a profit. Our mission is solely to sustain and enhance the school.
This model ensures that:
• 100% of Revenue Stays in the Classroom: Your tuition is directly reinvested into the school's operations. This covers essential costs like teacher salaries, facility leases, utilities, and acquiring authentic, high-quality Montessori materials. Every dollar serves to keep the lights on and the lessons thriving.
• Reasonable and Responsible Tuition: Our tuition rates are set not for maximization of profit, but for necessity. They are thoughtfully calculated to be as reasonable as possible while guaranteeing we can continue to offer the authentic Montessori method and maintain the highest standards of safety and education.
Benefit for Teachers and Children:
For the Children: They benefit from stable funding, well-maintained classrooms, and continuous investment in the best learning tools.
For the Teachers: Our focus is on retention and support, ensuring we can attract and retain passionate, certified Montessori guides who are dedicated to their craft, not just shareholders' interests.
For the Board (and You!): The Board's work is driven by a deep, shared purpose—ensuring the longevity and quality of the school for the next generation. Your trust and commitment are directly visible in the sustained excellence of our educational environment.
When you enroll your child at Coastal Montessori, you are not paying dividends; you are directly investing in the continuity and quality of a superior educational experience.
Coastal Montessori is committed to upholding its mission in all facets of the organization.